Cheap flights to Medellín
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Quick summary
Country
Colombia
Continent
South America
Airport
MDE
Currency
Colombian peso
Time zone
UTC-5
Deals already spotted to Medellín
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City of eternal spring
Medellín, the city of eternal spring
Medellín, the city of eternal spring, owes its nickname to a mild climate all year round: at about 1,500 m in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes, the average temperature is around 22 degrees C. Colombia's second-largest city after Bogotá and the capital of Antioquia department, it has become a reference in urban transformation, rebuilt through public transport, street art and parks.
Awarded for innovation
The Urban Land Institute named Medellín the most innovative city in the world in 2013. It went on to win the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2016 and Harvard's Veronica Rudge Urbanism Award.
History
Four centuries, one turnaround
The settlement of San Lorenzo de Aburrá dates from 1616, and the Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellín was formally founded in 1675. Coffee and textiles drove growth from the late 19th century. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city was hit by drug-cartel violence; since then, homicides have fallen sharply, and transport became the symbol of a new Medellín.
In the air
Metro, Metrocable and escalators
Medellín has the only metro in Colombia, opened in 1995 and largely elevated. In 2004 it added the Metrocable, aerial cable cars that link the neighbourhoods on the slopes to the valley floor. A single ticket includes transfers to the Metrocable on the main lines, so the ride itself becomes a sightseeing tour, with the whole valley spread out below.
Line L to Parque Arví
Metrocable Line L climbs to Parque Arví, a mountain eco-park above the city. Trams and buses complete the integrated network.
Comuna 13
From troubled district to street-art gallery
Comuna 13 was once one of the city's most troubled districts, caught up in armed conflict in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2011, outdoor escalators of about 384 m were installed on its slopes, replacing a long climb up steep steps.
Today the district is best visited on a guided walk, ideally with a local guide: murals and street art, hip-hop and breakdance performances by young locals, and views over the city. It is still a place where people live, so be respectful and ask before photographing residents.
Botero and the centre
Plaza Botero, Pueblito Paisa and Parque Explora
| Place | What to see |
|---|---|
| Plaza Botero and Museo de Antioquia | Open-air bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero in front of one of the country's major art museums, which holds the artist's donations |
| Metropolitan Cathedral | A large brick basilica finished in 1931, in the historic centre |
| Pueblito Paisa and Museo de la Ciudad | A reconstructed traditional Antioquia village on top of Cerro Nutibara, with views over the city |
| Parque Explora | An interactive science museum with an aquarium, good for families |
| Jardín Botánico | Tropical gardens and an orchid collection |
| Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez and Castillo Museum | A house-museum of a local painter and muralist, and a historic mansion with gardens in El Poblado |
Food and drink
Bandeja paisa, arepas and Antioquia coffee
What to eat
Try the bandeja paisa, the regional platter of beans, rice, egg, plantain, ground beef, avocado and chorizo. Arepas come with most meals, and you will also find empanadas, buñuelos and sancocho, a hearty soup.
Coffee and food tours
Colombia is coffee country, and tasting tours and farm visits are offered around the city. Food tours are a good way to discover local markets and Antioquia flavours.
Districts and festivals
El Poblado, Laureles and the Feria de las Flores
El Poblado, the upscale southern district, concentrates restaurants, coworking spaces, shopping centres and nightlife, with Parque Lleras as the centre of the evening scene. Laureles is a calmer residential and commercial district.
Feria de las Flores
Held since 1957, the Feria de las Flores takes over the city in early August: the silleteros parade with elaborate flower arrangements carried on their backs. From December to January, the Alumbrados Christmas lights illuminate Medellín.
Day trip
Guatapé, paragliding and coffee tours
| Activity | In brief |
|---|---|
| Guatapé and the rock of El Peñol | The classic day trip: about 80 km, 1.5 to 2 hours by bus; a staircase of around 700 steps climbs the rock above the reservoir, and the town is known for its colourful decorated façades |
| Parque Arví | Hiking and nature, reached by Metrocable |
| Santa Fe de Antioquia | A former colonial capital, for a quieter day out |
| Paragliding, horse riding, rafting | Outdoor activities around the valley |
Getting there
Two airports: José María Córdova (MDE) and Olaya Herrera
José María Córdova International
In Rionegro, on the plateau east of the valley, roughly 30 to 35 km from the centre by road. Allow 45 minutes to an hour by taxi or airport bus, longer at peak times. Airport taxis generally use a set fare; confirm it before getting in.
Olaya Herrera
A small airport near downtown and El Poblado, for domestic and regional flights. International flights arrive at MDE.
Airport buses (Combuses) leave MDE every few minutes and end near a metro station; taxis and ride-hailing apps are the other option. Distances and times are approximate, based on Wikivoyage and Wikipedia; check current arrangements before you travel.
Getting around
Metro, Metrocable, tram, buses and taxis
The integrated network
Two metro lines cross the city north-south and east-west, and a single ticket includes the Metrocable on the main lines. A tram and dedicated bus lines (Metroplús) complete the network. The rechargeable Cívica card is handy for a stay of several days.
Taxis and apps
Taxis have meters, so make sure they are used. In the evening, order a taxi by phone or app rather than hailing one in the street. The centre can be explored on foot, but the hillsides and El Poblado call for the metro or a taxi.
Budget and precautions
A moderate budget, with big-city common sense
Price level
Medellín is a moderate-budget destination: everyday costs and public transport remain good value for a longer stay, with big differences between El Poblado and the rest of the city. The currency is the Colombian peso. We give no amounts because we could not cross-check them.
Staying careful
Check your government's official travel advice for entry requirements, health and safety. As in any large city, keep your phone and cash discreet, avoid street ATMs, use pre-booked taxis and do not walk alone at night in quiet areas.
When to go
Two rainy seasons, no winter
December to February
The driest period, often recommended as the best time to visit, with the Christmas lights as a bonus.
March to May
The first rainy season, with frequent showers, often in the afternoon; pack a rain jacket.
June to August
Drier weather with good sunny spells; in early August the Feria de las Flores enlivens the city.
September to November
The second rainy season, with October often among the wettest months.
The average temperature is around 22 degrees C, usually between 15 and 30 degrees C, with no real seasons because of the closeness to the equator: it is mostly a matter of wetter and drier periods. The exact timing of the rains varies from year to year.
How long to stay
How many days in Medellín
The essentials
Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia, a Metrocable ride and an evening in El Poblado.
Districts and culture
Comuna 13 with a local guide, Pueblito Paisa, Parque Explora, a coffee tasting and a bandeja paisa.
Around Medellín
A day at Guatapé and the rock of El Peñol, Parque Arví and a trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia.
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In pictures
Medellín in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Medellín
How do I get from Medellín airport to the centre?
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is in Rionegro, roughly 30 to 35 km from the centre: allow 45 minutes to an hour by taxi or airport bus. Olaya Herrera (EOH), near downtown and El Poblado, mostly handles domestic flights.
When is the best time to visit Medellín?
The climate is mild all year, around 22 degrees C on average. December to February and the mid-year months are drier; March-May and September-November are wetter. Early August brings the Feria de las Flores.
Is Medellín expensive?
It is a moderate-budget destination: food and public transport are good value, with differences between districts. We give no amounts because we could not cross-check them.
How many days do you need in Medellín?
Three to five days: the centre and Plaza Botero, Comuna 13, the Metrocable to Arví, an evening in El Poblado and a day trip to Guatapé.
How do I get around Medellín?
By metro and Metrocable on a shared ticket, plus the tram, buses and metered or app-booked taxis. The Cívica card is handy for longer stays.
What should I eat in Medellín?
The bandeja paisa, arepas, empanadas, buñuelos and sancocho, plus Colombian coffee or a tasting at a coffee farm.
Is Medellín safe for travellers?
The city has changed a great deal since the 1990s and can be visited with the usual big-city precautions. Check your government's official travel advice before you go.
How much does a flight to Medellín usually cost?
It mostly depends on your departure city, the season and how far ahead you book. The "deals" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
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